**2012 British Touring Car Championship**
**Definition:**
The 2012 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) was the 55th season of the premier touring car racing series in the United Kingdom. Featuring a mix of professional and independent teams, the championship showcased competitive racing across multiple circuits, culminating in a closely contested drivers’ and manufacturers’ championship.
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# 2012 British Touring Car Championship
The 2012 British Touring Car Championship was the 55th running of the BTCC, one of the most popular and competitive touring car racing series in the world. The season featured a diverse grid of manufacturers, teams, and drivers competing over 30 races held at ten different circuits across England and Scotland. The championship was notable for its intense competition, technical developments, and the emergence of new talents alongside established veterans.
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## Overview
The 2012 BTCC season ran from April to October, with race weekends typically consisting of three races each. The championship adhered to the regulations set out by the Motor Sports Association (MSA) and the TOCA organization, which governs the series. The season saw a mixture of manufacturer-backed teams and independent entries, all competing under the Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) technical regulations introduced to reduce costs and increase competitiveness.
The championship was contested by several manufacturers including Honda, MG, Vauxhall, and Toyota, with teams fielding a variety of car models such as the Honda Civic, MG6, Vauxhall Insignia, and Toyota Avensis. The 2012 season was marked by close racing, multiple race winners, and a tight championship battle that extended to the final rounds.
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## Teams and Drivers
### Manufacturer Teams
– **Honda Yuasa Racing Team**
Honda entered the season with the Civic model, fielding drivers including Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal, both of whom were former champions and key contenders for the title.
– **MG KX Momentum Racing**
MG returned with the MG6 model, with drivers such as Jason Plato, a multiple BTCC champion, and Andy Neate.
– **Vauxhall Racing**
Vauxhall competed with the Insignia, with drivers including Tom Onslow-Cole and Andrew Jordan.
– **Toyota UK**
Toyota fielded the Avensis, with drivers such as James Nash and Rob Collard.
### Independent Teams
Several independent teams also participated, often running older models or customer cars. These teams included:
– **Speedworks Motorsport**
Running Toyota Avensis cars with drivers like Mat Jackson.
– **Team HARD.**
Fielding various models including Vauxhall Vectra and Volkswagen CC.
– **Pirtek Racing**
Running Ford Focus cars with drivers such as Adam Morgan.
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## Season Calendar and Circuits
The 2012 BTCC calendar consisted of ten race weekends, each featuring three races, totaling 30 races. The circuits included a mix of permanent race tracks and street circuits:
1. **Brands Hatch (Indy Circuit)** – Season opener in April.
2. **Donington Park** – Traditional circuit with a mix of fast and technical sections.
3. **Thruxton** – Known as the fastest circuit in the UK.
4. **Oulton Park** – A challenging circuit with elevation changes.
5. **Croft Circuit** – A technical track in North Yorkshire.
6. **Snetterton Circuit** – Featuring long straights and tight corners.
7. **Knockhill Racing Circuit** – Scotland’s only FIA-licensed track.
8. **Rockingham Motor Speedway** – Oval and road course layout.
9. **Silverstone Circuit** – The home of British motorsport.
10. **Brands Hatch (Grand Prix Circuit)** – Season finale on the longer Grand Prix layout.
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## Technical Regulations
The 2012 season continued to use the Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) regulations, which had been introduced to reduce costs and level the playing field. Key features of the NGTC regulations included:
– Standardized components such as suspension, brakes, and gearboxes.
– Use of turbocharged 2.0-liter engines producing approximately 350 bhp.
– Aerodynamic restrictions to maintain close racing.
– Weight limits and ballast systems to balance performance.
These regulations allowed independent teams to compete more effectively against manufacturer-backed entries, increasing grid sizes and competitiveness.
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## Championship Format and Points System
Each race weekend featured three races, with grid positions for the first race determined by qualifying times. The second race grid was based on the finishing order of race one, while the third race grid was set by reversing the top ten finishers from race two, adding strategic complexity.
Points were awarded to the top 15 finishers in each race, with additional points for pole position, fastest lap, and leading a lap. The points system encouraged consistent performance and rewarded racecraft and speed.
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## Season Summary
### Early Season
The season began at Brands Hatch with strong performances from Honda and MG drivers. Jason Plato and Gordon Shedden quickly established themselves as front-runners, with Matt Neal also showing pace. The opening rounds featured close battles and several different race winners, setting the tone for a competitive season.
### Mid-Season Developments
As the season progressed, the championship battle intensified. Honda Yuasa Racing demonstrated strong reliability and race pace, while MG KX Momentum Racing’s Jason Plato consistently challenged for wins. Toyota and Vauxhall teams also scored podiums, with drivers like James Nash and Andrew Jordan making their mark.
Technical developments and setup improvements played a significant role, with teams optimizing their NGTC cars for different circuits. The reverse grid races often produced unpredictable results, with independent drivers occasionally capitalizing on the format.
### Late Season and Title Decider
The championship fight came down to the final rounds at Silverstone and Brands Hatch (Grand Prix Circuit). Gordon Shedden and Jason Plato were the main contenders, with Matt Neal also in contention. The final races featured intense wheel-to-wheel racing, strategic tire choices, and tactical driving.
Ultimately, Gordon Shedden clinched the drivers’ championship, securing his second BTCC title. Honda Yuasa Racing also won the manufacturers’ championship, while the teams’ championship was closely contested.
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## Drivers’ Championship Standings
1. **Gordon Shedden (Honda Yuasa Racing)** – Champion
2. **Jason Plato (MG KX Momentum Racing)** – Runner-up
3. **Matt Neal (Honda Yuasa Racing)**
4. **James Nash (Toyota UK)**
5. **Andrew Jordan (Vauxhall Racing)**
The top five drivers consistently scored points and podium finishes, with several others contributing to the competitive depth of the field.
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## Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championships
– **Manufacturers’ Championship:** Honda secured the title through consistent performances by Shedden and Neal.
– **Teams’ Championship:** Honda Yuasa Racing won the teams’ championship, reflecting their dominance and reliability.
– **Independent Teams’ Trophy:** Awarded to the highest scoring independent team, showcasing the success of privateer efforts.
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## Notable Races and Moments
– **Brands Hatch Season Opener:** A dramatic start with multiple lead changes and a surprise podium for an independent driver.
– **Thruxton High-Speed Battles:** Close racing at the fastest UK circuit, with several overtakes and safety car interventions.
– **Knockhill’s Scottish Showdown:** Intense battles in variable weather conditions, highlighting driver skill.
– **Brands Hatch Grand Prix Finale:** The championship was decided in the final race, with Shedden holding off Plato in a tense finish.
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## Impact and Legacy
The 2012 BTCC season reinforced the popularity of touring car racing in the UK, with strong television ratings and spectator attendance. The NGTC regulations proved successful in maintaining close competition and controlling costs, encouraging new teams and manufacturers to participate in subsequent seasons.
The season also helped launch or solidify the careers of several drivers, with Gordon Shedden’s championship win cementing his status as one of the modern greats of the series. The competitive nature of the 2012 season contributed to the BTCC’s reputation as one of the most exciting touring car championships globally.
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## Conclusion
The 2012 British Touring Car Championship was a highly competitive and entertaining season that showcased the depth of talent and technical innovation within the series. With multiple manufacturers, a diverse driver lineup, and a challenging calendar, the season delivered close racing and a dramatic championship battle. The success of the NGTC regulations and the strong performances by teams and drivers ensured the BTCC’s continued prominence in British motorsport.
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**Meta Description:**
The 2012 British Touring Car Championship was the 55th season of the UK’s premier touring car series, featuring intense competition among manufacturers and drivers across ten circuits. Gordon Shedden won the drivers’ title in a season marked by close racing and technical innovation.